Manchester United: Andreas Pereira hoping for more first-team action after earning regular place on the bench

Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira is remaining optimistic with regards to getting more opportunities with the first team before the end of the ongoing campaign. The Brazilian has made the match day squad on a consistent basis in 2016 following Louis van Gaal's decision to block his loan move away from the club during the January transfer window.

The Brazil U20 international has made every Premier League match day squad since the start of November but featured for just 80 minutes in over three months. He has featured regularly for the United U21 side in 2016, completing 90 minutes in all four games this year. Despite his lack of action, he is delighted to be part of the senior squad and is ready to wait for his chance to prove to his manager that he belongs with the first team.

Pereira is not averse to playing with the second string side on a regular basis and believes that it helps him maintain match fitness, while also giving him the opportunity to impress the manager. He has scored three goals in his last four appearances in the U21 Premier League, which the Red Devils lead from Sunderland by two points despite playing one fewer game.

"It's been good. I've been on the bench for all of the games. Hopefully, I'll be getting more and more chances to show what I can do. I hope I can kick on and get more minutes and show the manager, the crowd and my teammates what I can do to help the team to win," the Brazilian told United's official site.

"I am very excited. I have to be patient and keep working hard, like I do. I'll keep going and enjoying my football.

"Playing with the Under-21s only helps you get match fitness and you have to play well if you want to get into the first team. It's a good team. James Weir and Will Keane, for example, are brilliant players.

"It's not like a weird thing when you play for the Under-21s. You know everyone here around you and it feels like family. It really is a family club and, when you play for the Under-21s, it doesn't feel like a weird environment at all. You know everyone, you know Warren [Joyce] and you know the players, so it's really good," Pereira explained.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Dean Henderson, has extended his stay at Stockport County for another month after reaffirmed the club's faith by keeping a clean sheet during their 0-0 draw against Bardford Park Avenue in the National League North clash.

"Dean Henderson has extended his stay at Stockport County for another month," a statement on United's official site read.